Wednesday 8th August 2018

We had the most fantastic time in Galway with Leoncavallo even though it rained for two days solid. Suits we’re ruined and with every drop that came down, it seemed any chance we had in the Galway Hurdle had gone.

Leoncavallo had other ideas though, he was magnificent and proved he’s not far off top class. Sam Twiston Davies gave the horse an outstanding ride. We we’re never worse than third place during the entire race. Leon jumped quick and low at every hurdle with Sam seeing some great strides on near heavy ground.

Watching class horses pushed along behind Leoncavallo with him still on the bridle and hitting the front two out was some sight. Leon gave everything he had but Sharjah came past us jumping the last and won nicely in the end by 3 lengths. He’s owned by R Ricci and trained by Willie Mullins. Leon was in a fight for 2^nd place but Blazer another Mullins horse just did us, he was owned by J P McManus. Sharjah is now going down the Champion Hurdle route it seems.

Leoncavallo was beaten just 3 lengths in Ireland’s richest hurdle race. It was the best effort from a UK based horse for many a year. Leoncavallo won his owners £25,000 for his efforts, only Willie Mullins could beat us.

We had a great night after the race in Galway whilst the racecourse interviewed us on the big screens. It was memorable few days that will live long in the memory.

It shows what can be achieved in this game with a bit of luck and spending hours on the sales. Leoncavallo cost 21k, it would need a six-figure sum to buy him now.

I think we’re going down the chasing route with Leoncavallo, I suppose the aim would be to run in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.